Your Name: Daniel Usenko
Your Website: http://danielusenko.com
Blog: http://danielusenko.com/blog
Location:
Seattle, Washington, United States
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Russian. I grew up in the former Soviet Union. When I was 7 years old a civil war broke out where I lived – the Georgia-Abkhazia conflict of 1992. Having miraculously survived the war, my family moved to inland Russia, and eventually to the United States a bit later.
I now live in Seattle, WA. I love philosophy, good music, my friends, family, and the savior.
I am a photographer.
Where is home?
Although I cherish my Russian background, I’d have to say that Seattle is my home. What’s most important is that my friends & family are here – so this is home.
How did you get into photography?
The same way 80% of photographers get into photography – by accident. It really all started with the love for a beautiful image – that was the biggest motivator. I remember struggling to understand what makes a picture look “professional” and spending nights experimenting & researching until I figured out how it all work.
When you love to take pictures, you eventually learn how to do it well and other people notice. Then they ask you to shoot their wedding, which you do. Eventually someone tells you you’re good enough to charge money. So there it is – you’re a ‘professional’ photographer – you take money for taking pictures.
That’s exactly what happened to me.
How would you describe your style?
Natural, thoughtful, colorful.
Natural. I’ve always hated the fake-posed-cheesy photography, but at the same time I LOVE a beautiful portrait. So my approach has always been – capture the natural/real beauty of your subject & don’t let them ruin it with a fake pose. So I let my couples be themselves, and I take pictures of them, and not their poses.
Thoughtful. I love calm, simple, elegant, beautiful images – I call that combination ‘thoughtful’. On the other hand, I’m not a big fan of images that have a million things going on; the ones you would consider crazy & chaotic.
Colorful. I learned photography by shooting film. My favorite type of film is Fuji Reala 100 – a very colorful, sharp, high contrast film. Looking at my images now, I can definitely see how my love for Reala has pushed my digital editing style to a similar look – a very natural, clean, colorful, sharp and contrasty look.
What inspires you in life and photography?
As weird as it may be, calm and depressing music inspires me the most. I’ve never been a fan of loud-crowded-happy places, so to recharge my emotional/artistic capacity, nothing works better than hours alone listening to some good music.
Best advice you have ever received?
‘Your success does not depend on how good you are, but on how good people think you are’.
Favorite photography accessory other than your camera?
50mm fixed lens on a full frame body. Nothing beats it.
Tell us a little more about your coming up workshop.
There are 3 workshops in June, 2 of which are ‘advanced’ level. For those that are not from Seattle, there’s even an online seminar on Photoshop.
At these workshops I will share my approach to creating beautiful photographs, showing the participants the steps I take & the tricks I use. Basically, I’ll answer the question “How do you make your pictures look like this?” It’ll be a mix of learning important information, and getting some hands on experience. For more info, see the “workshops” page on my site.
Last workshop you yourself have attended?
The one and only – OSP West over a year ago. When I was learning photography I couldn’t afford to attend a workshop, but when I finally had the money, I already knew enough to create beautiful pictures. Workshops can definitely be helpful I think, but I had to learn most things with trial and error – I was too poor back in the day to pay someone else to teach me.
Best thing about your job?
Making people happy.
The first photographer that comes you your mind and why?
Jose Villa. I really dig his work, and he has been the biggest influence this past year especially. His pictures are simple, quiet, and colorful – just beautiful.
Which 3 words would your friends and family use to describe you?
Contemplative, Simple, Realistic
If not a photographer, what would you be?
Probably a teacher. I think that has to be one of the best jobs out there. You work with people, you make a difference in their lives, and you get the holidays and summers off. Seems very close to perfect right there. (except for the pay)
Why did you choose Flosites, and what have then done for you?
I’ve always considered Flosites as one of the leaders in their field. They work with some of the best photographers in the world, make amazing blogs & Ross is just a great person. On top of it all, my consultant Lara Casey loves them. So why would I choose anyone else?
Oh they’ve done for me more than I expected. Branding, I recently realized, is the most important aspect of a business; that is what makes a photographer look good. Flosites has created an amazing brand for me – I really love everything about it and am very excited about showing it to more and more people this year.
Here are some screens of Daniel’s New Blog, Splash Page, Site and Workshop Site:
